Donald was born in Cornwall to Elizabeth and Arthur Drake. Donald volunteered for the Army when he turned 18 and proudly served for four years during WW2. Don worked at DuPont in Newburgh for many years and later was employed at IBM in East Fishkill until his retirement.
Donald married the late Alberta Beccaccio of Newburgh and together, they had two sons.
His eldest son Kerry Drake predeceased him. Donald is survived by his son and caregiver, Matt Drake and his children Haley and Matthew Drake. They filled his life with love and a lot of laughter. He is also survived by Kerry’s children AJ, Katelynn, and Dominique Drake and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Derry Drake and his sister Betsy Teeple.
Don had a strong love for his dogs, all of whom predeceased him. Toward the end of his journey, Donald longed to be with his pups again. It gave him great joy to think they would be waiting for him.
A memorial visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Monday, January 2 from 10 - 12 a.m. Interment of cremains will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, January 3 at 12 p.m.